Soul Sisters

A Christopher McHarge Production

Soul Sisters opens with pioneers like Big Mama Thornton and Etta James, then moves on to the Queens of the 60s and 70s, like Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Patti Labelle, and Tina Turner; it then finishes up with more recent stars like Whitney Houston, Sade, and Adele. Along the way, the show also explores some of the greatest duets of Soul and R&B with male stars like James Brown, Marvin Gaye, and Otis Redding. With over 30 hits songs, there “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to keep you from having a great time with our Soul Sisters.

Featuring three vocalists and a 4-piece band of world-class musicians, Soul Sisters is not to be missed!

May 29 – June 2, 2024

Tickets
Regular 49$ (+tax), Senior 47$ (+tax)

Tickets can also be purchased by contacting the box office directly:
450-458-5361 or hvtbox@villagetheatre.ca

Saveria D’Ippolito (Singer)

Saveria’s music career has followed a winding trail of highs and lows, from her early days, belting love ballads on Mini Pop Kids, to her televised victory on CTV’s The Launch — which culminated in a recording deal at Big Machine Records. Saveria also appeared on American Idol in 2020, garnering 4 million views and praise from Katy Perry. Saveria’s debut album, Mosaic, draws her listeners closer to themselves, and accompanies them through the uncomfortable truths and hidden potential within their own stories. Saveria has crafted a refreshingly unpredictable musical style— with notes of pop, R&B, Soul and Rock melded together to produce a sound that is truly original and diverse.

Eleanor Gebrou (Singer)

Eleanor is a singer-songwriter with an R&B leaning sound, coloured in accents of soul and indie music. She takes a narrative approach to songwriting, leaning on experiences of grief and overcoming to shape stories that are robust and deeply felt. Eleanor’s music has been covered widely by publications such as Earmilk, ColorsxStudios, and Exclaim Magazine. Eleanor has recently contributed to the published music of artists such as: Texas King, Saveria and Chad Price. Her music has also been featured prominently on radio and television, and her debut EP, “A Late Bloom,” dropped in the summer of 2023.

Shane Philips (Singer)

Shane Philips is a singer-songwriter whose devotion to singing flourished early on as a young child. As a writer, Shane has had his songs used in film and TV, and he has also written compositions for community-based organizations. As an actor, singer, and dancer, he has starred in a variety of musicals including, We Love Harry Belafonte, Sweet Soul Music, as well as Memories of the Rat Pack, playing Sammy Davis, Jr. and gracing stages all across North America and Europe. Not surprising, Shane was a contestant on the nationally televised show, “The Voice,” and more recently, sang with living legend Stevie Wonder at the ACC in Toronto.

Chris Dahmer (Keyboards)

Chris’ 45+ year career started with extensive work on the Canadian nightclub circuit, including multiple cross-country tours with established recording artists. Three years as house keyboardist at Lulu`s Roadhouse in Kitchener, ON saw him backing up international artists – Chuck Berry, Ben E King, Peter Noone (of Herman`s Hermits) to name a few. Theatre work became a mainstay starting in the year 2000, with local and European engagements. Chris has performed on albums and radio and television sessions, both on keyboards and accordion. Chris has taught at music schools in Toronto and Kitchener, as well as operating his own school in Cambridge, ON for 20+ years.

Kevin Dempsey (Drums)

Kevin Dempsey has been a professional drummer for the past 25 years. Kevin has established himself in the Toronto Jazz scene and has performed and recorded with some of Canada’s best Jazz musicians. He was a founding member of the Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra, frequently performed with Peter Appleyard’s Quintet and big band, as well as Paul Read’s Jazz Orchestra, and is a featured performer with Guido Basso’s Jazz cruises. Kevin has also performed with Bob Brookmeyer, Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone, Ranee Lee, Kevin Eubanks, Muhal Richard Abrams, and Dave Holland. Kevin composes music and leads his own Quintet and can be also heard on numerous Jazz recordings.

Lew Mele (Bass)

Lew Mele is a professional bass player, composer, and producer, with more than 35 years’ experience, working with such Canadian jazz greats as Bernie Senesky, Guido Basso, Eugene Amaro and Russ Little, as well as Lenny Solomon. Lew also worked with Hugh Jackman at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto, and even performed at Sean Connery’s 80^th birthday party. Additional highlights include opening for Rush, touring Europe and the US with Roger Whittaker, Canadian touring with Zappacosta, Frankie Avalon, Don Rickles, Howie Mandel, and Joe Piscopo. Musical Theatre performances include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Little Shop of Horrors. Lew also performed with the National Arts Orchestra and The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra.

Peter Mueller (Guitar)

Peter Mueller is a Toronto guitarist and music writer whose career has involved backing many musical artists (mostly Canadian) including Tom Cochrane, David Clayton Thomas, Marc Jordan, Anne Murray, Alan Frew, Ian Thomas and many others. Peter has also worked behind the scenes in television and radio. Musical theatre credits include Mamma Mia!, Tommy, Les Miserable and Aladdin. Peter’s instrumental music is used in various music libraries across Canada and the US. For the six full years Canadian Idol aired, Peter worked in the show’s backing band on and off camera. This included working directly with contestants, such as Carly Rae Jepsen, as well as with many established international stars, including Tom Jones and Martina McBride.